Small business, Content

Small Business Cybersecurity: NIST Resources Arrive

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has added the Cyber Readiness Institute’s free Cyber Readiness Program to its Small Business Cybersecurity Corner.

Now, small businesses can access the Cyber Readiness Program's cybersecurity resources to identify ways to improve their security posture.

The Cyber Readiness Program provides small businesses with basic cyber policies and processes, along with cybersecurity tools and resources. It helps small businesses address cybersecurity issues across the following areas:

  • Passwords.
  • Phishing.
  • Software updates.
  • USB use.

In addition, the Cyber Readiness Program offers a step-by-step online program to help small businesses address cyber threats. Upon completion of the online program, small businesses receive a certification of completion from the Cyber Readiness Institute.

The Cyber Readiness Program for small businesses is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese, and translations will soon be available in Arabic and Chinese. It is self-guided and available online.

Are New Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Tools on the Horizon?

The Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Act, introduced by Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), could lead to the development of dedicated access to cybersecurity tools, consulting services and resources from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This legislation would offer small businesses insights to help them improve their security protocols.

MSSPs can help small businesses keep pace with cyber threats, too. They can provide a wide range of managed security services to ensure small businesses can quickly detect and address evolving cyberattacks.

Dan Kobialka

Dan Kobialka is senior contributing editor, MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E. He covers IT security, IT service provider business strategies and partner programs. Dan holds a M.A. in Print and Multimedia Journalism from Emerson College and a B.A. in English from Bridgewater State University. In his free time, Dan enjoys jogging, traveling, playing sports, touring breweries and watching football.